Weight Distribution Hitch for a Lifted 2002 Ford F-250 and 8,800 Pound Travel Trailer

Question:

I am purchasing a new travel trailer Winnebago Minnie Plus 27BHSS that has a GVWR of 8800 and a dry tongue weight of 640. I am leaning towards the Reese Steadi-Flex 10k GTW, 1k TW. One thing I wanted to check on was whether or not it would work with a lifted truck. My truck has a 4inch lift with 35inch tires. My truck is a 2002 Ford F250 with a 12k weight distribution towing capacity with 1250 tongue capacity. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or recommendations.

asked by: Jeff S

Expert Reply:

We will need to figure out the difference between the hitch height on your 2002 Ford F-250 and the trailer coupler height (when the trailer is level).

Measure from the ground up to the top of the hitch receiver opening on the truck. Then measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler with the trailer level. The difference between the 2 is the amount of drop you will need in a weight distribution shank. The shank included with the Stead-Flex system # RP66559 has a maximum drop of 4 inches. There are other shanks with more drop but we can't swap them out from a whole kit like # RP66559 so it would have to be purchased separately.

Another option is to go with a Reese Strait-Line system # RP66074 which is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight. This system does not come with a shank so you can get one with the proper amount of drop and not end up with a shank you can't use.

For either system you will need a properly sized ball, # 19286. I have included a link to the 2 inch weight distribution shanks for you as well.